Jessica & David

This detail-infused luxury wedding of Victoria residents Jessica Kerr and David Gustavson took over a year to plan, included the finest and most thoughtful touches imaginable, and ultimately provided an end result that was truly exquisite in every sense of the word.

Client expectations and the calibre of the wedding was at an all-time high. From the thread count of the napkins to the bride’s custom Valentino gown, every painstaking detail featured was of the highest consideration and quality. Mainstream was out of the question and the bride’s taste was impeccable.

The weekend’s festivities kicked off on the Friday night with a chic and fun Welcome Garden Barbecue at the couple’s beautiful home featuring “Peaches & Ribs” prepared by Toque Catering, one of the most celebrated caterers on the island. Local favourite Hoyne Brewing was on hand to offer a selection of perfectly paired craft beer for the occasion.

The Ceremony took place the following day at the groom’s mom’s home, idyllically situated on the Pacific ocean.

The Ceremony featured a custom-made 10 foot tall iron Gazebo covered in cascading greenery. Guests were welcomed with a fruit-infused water bar and fresh lemonade.

Champagne and canapés were served following the ceremony before guests were playfully transported by Kabuki Cabs to the neighbouring reception venue. It was so much fun to see guests all dolled up in their finest attire being paraded through the quaint streets of Victoria!

The Reception was held at a majestic oceanfront mansion belonging to the groom’s father. As guests arrived at the Reception, they were greeted with custom hand muddled cocktails and serenaded by the internationally acclaimed Swing Group, Van Django.

Dennis Gocer of The Collective You was on hand providing stylized black and white headshots as a keepsake for guests.

Sarah and Geneve, along with their DreamGroup team, were on site in Victoria for 7 days prior to the wedding to oversee the careful transformation of this spectacular property. Over 4000 square feet of decking and flooring were installed and an impressive clear top tent was erected to showcase incredible elevated views of the surrounding area and ocean.

The Floral & Décor plan for this wedding was meticulous, refined, and incredibly inspiring! Suzane and her dedicated team at GIF along with Sandy and her patient and resourceful cohorts at Art of the Party Design Inc. worked diligently in preparation for this comprehensive destination wedding affair. Dinner tables were laden with embroidered linens acquired from La Tavola Fine Linen in California.

The Bride’s vision included florals that were to appear as if they had been effortlessly collected from the garden and placed on tables amidst candlelight and carefully chosen vintage accents and fine crystal. The keyword here is “appear” as given the fragility and multitude of imported flower specimens used to create the perfect look, this floral design was anything but effortless. It required a team of 12 florists and assistants over 15 hours to assemble on site.

Three huge custom designed iron chandeliers measuring 10 feet in diameter were suspended over the guest tables and covered in vines, fresh floral and hanging candles.

Guests were treated to an incredible multi-course plated dinner prepared onsite by master Chef Nicholas Waters and his amazing team at Toque Catering. To end the dinner portion of the evening, the bride and groom took to the dance floor for their first dance as DreamGroup secretly corresponded with an AFA Fireworks operator strategically positioned out on an ocean barge ready to dazzle the night’s sky with a fireworks display timed perfectly as the first dance came to a close.

As the fireworks show ended, guests were once again delighted with a powerful and unexpected live rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — performed on point by the always engaging Side One Band — drawing guests towards an indoor Palm Court Oasis ready for some late night dancing and delights. During dinner, the Ice Bar area was quietly transformed into an outdoor Cigar and Scotch Lounge featuring an antique Bar, imported cigars, and the groom’s carefully cultivated Family Scotch Blend complete with oversized ice spheres. To cap the night off, a colourful Hookah Den offered guests flavoured Shisha and comfy lounging beds to retreat to.

Overall, this wedding was thoughtful, decadent, and one that will certainly be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure to attend.

Here are the people that helped make this wedding everything that it was…